SHOP TALK Blog

Portland Fashion Week

PFW 2010: Closing Night

Amelia Toro, Ethos Paris, Souchi, LenZanita, Pendleton – Opening Ceremony

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Oct 11, 2010 at 11:00AM Speech Bubble 2 Comments

Amelia Toro- Using the traditional “mola” technique of the Kuna Indians from the border zone between Columbia and Panama a fashionable look that also tells a cultural story is created,

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It’s official. I survived another year of Portland Fashion Week. The bags under my eyes this morning tell me I am a little worse for wear, but all major limbs are intact so I will call this a success. In the past week I have seen over thirty designers, hundreds of looks and thousands of yards of fabric. I may need to watch some fashion show DVD’s this evening to transition my adrenaline levels slowly back to normal.

The opening collection of the evening was also the biggest collection of the entire week. Columbian designer Amelia Toro had traveled inter-continental to show us her Hispanic Heritage Collection. Amelia’s impressive resume (Vogue, Bazaar, InStyle) speaks volumes about the reputation that PFW is cultivating. To sum it up – Portland is getting important. Her collection was impeccably crafted with vibrant prints using animal and geometric motifs. The fabric was based on a traditional Kuna Indian technique of hand sewn quilting and layering of fibers. The overall look was polished and sophisticated. I always think when a designer is truly connected to their inspiration it makes their work shine just a little bit more and this is a prime example.

Following Amelia Toro was South Dakotan line LenZanita with repurposed items like scraps from a balloon factory used for fabric. One casual street wear line led to the next with several looks from Ethos Paris. The visiting Parisian’s emphasis on sustainable materials is the draw for a line of simple, basic clothing. Pants for both women and men were absolutely the strength of the collection. Pendleton then opened their set with a handful of perfectly plaid printed outfits before the collection wandered into some very fashion confused places. Stick with the prints Pendleton, that’s the thing we love you for. The finale of the week came from local line Souchi with luxurious hand loomed cashmere knit clothing in soft colors. And then it was over. A year of preparation for five whirlwind days.

It felt like the end of summer camp then and no one was quite ready to say good-bye. I made my way to the after-party which quickly went from an exhausted mingling into an amped up joyous affair, where I worked my robot groove on the dance floor with Fashion Wire Press’s Ed Kavishe to the chagrin of any of my students in attendance. Producer Tito Chowbury stood with a champagne bottle in hand and wide grin giving hugs and thanks to many, while models and overworked volunteers bounced around. A round of applause for everyone and we’ll see you next year.

Click View Slideshow for in depth reviews.

The Evenings’ Designers

- Amelia Toro
- Ethos Paris
- Souchi
- LENZANITA

**Upcoming: The shows are over for the year but be on the look out for upcoming Q&A’s with designers Amelia Toro from Columbia and Jonathan Joseph Peters from last season’s Project Runway.**

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Tags: Fashion, fashion show, Portland Fashion Week 2010, Spring/Summer 2011

Portland Fashion Week

PFW 2010: Project Runway Presents

Seth Aaron SolarWorld Collection Presented by Portland Fashion Week, Jonathan Joseph Peters, Jay Sario, Goga by Gordana

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Oct 10, 2010 at 11:00AM Speech Bubble 3 Comments

Photo: Ed Kavishe/Fashion Wire Press

Seth Aaron: The Solar World Collection
Leather and volume?! Be still my heart….

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I have been going to every Portland Fashion Week show for years and have seen pretty much every kind of crowd you can imagine. But last night was the most amped up wild one ever. The Project Runway madness had hit and resulted in the VIP lounge area looking (but thankfully not smelling) like a tightly packed sardine case. I thought the mass would quiet some once we had all slowly herded into our seats, but was sorely mistaken. And when the cover was lifted from the solar panel runway, signifying the start of the show, a shrill whistle of excitement went off behind my left ear at a dizzying decibel. The lights went up and away we went.

Goga by Gordana’s collection was the definition of femininity. Without my trusty thesaurus and with a sleep deprived brain I wrote “so pretty” about each ensemble that floated down. Gordana’s strengths lie in her ability to embellish with pleating and patching fabric without it ever looking overworked or unflattering to the body.

Next was Jay Nicolas Sario’s collection that evoked an underlying military theme with his use of metal hardware, epaulettes and funnel collars. It was an interesting juxtaposition of hard and soft, with his flowing palazzo pants and tailored jackets.

Jonathan Joseph Peters obviously had fun designing his kicky collection using his signature cutaway fabric technique. Bold, vibrant prints with the occasional sparkle of gold sequins made this an exceedingly wearable line for those who want to put a fashionable pep in their step come spring.

The finale of the evening came from Vancouver’s Seth Aaron presenting his Solar World collection. The looks were theatrical and dramatic with strong shapes, shoulders and showmanship. The craftsmanship for such unique materials was impressive. How does one sew things made from photovoltaic panels? I have no idea, but obviously Seth does and the audience was thrilled down to the last leather masked look.

After the show ended I, being the full service writer that I am, went out with Project Runway alums Janeane Marie and Jonathan Joseph Peters for a night of hilarious tales of what went on during filming and Michael Kors impersonations. My sides hurt this morning from laughing and it’s nice to see that in an era of snarky reality television friendships can bloom and survive. My exhaustion level is growing though from seeing hundreds of faces every night, cheek kissing, pounding beats and clacking keyboards all morning. This fashion writer gig is a really tough job, but someone has to do it….

Click View Slideshow for in depth reviews.

The Evenings’ Designers

- Seth Aaron SolarWorld Collection Presented by Portland Fashion Week
- Jonathan Joseph Peters
- Jay Sario
- Goga by Gordana (Project Runway Season 6)

Upcoming: Tonight is the very last night of PFW for a whole year! Featuring international designers Amelia Toro, Ethos Paris plus Oregon’s own powerhouse Pendleton. Don’t be the only one in town to miss out on the hoopla..

Fashion Week Information:

www.PortlandFashionWeek.net
When: Wednesday, October 6th – Sunday, October 10th
Doors: 6:30pm, Seating 8:00pm
Where: Vigor Industrial Shipyard: 5555 N. Channel Avenue. Portland OR 97217

Find Portland Fashion Week 2010 event info on our Events Calendar.

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Tags: Fashion, fashion show, Portland Fashion Week 2010, Spring/Summer 2011

Portland Fashion Week

PFW 2010: Friday Night

La Vie by Michele DeCourcy, Stephanie D Couture, Isaac Hers, Suzabelle, Amai Unmei

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Oct 09, 2010 at 11:00AM Speech Bubble 0 Comments

Photo: OSI Photography

Suzabelle- This look will be mine. Oh yes, it will be mine….

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Last night at PFW I went broke. Not because I drank too many cocktails or got robbed, but because I mentally spent all of my money, plus upcoming paychecks on the collections showed. I had briefly wondered if attendance would be affected with all the hub-bub going on Thursday night with the Emerging Designers competition and Saturday night hosting a pu pu platter of Project Runway-ers but that thought was unnecessary with a huge rowdy crowd that filled the seats. There was a minor snafu with the start time as a projector conked out and one had to be escorted in like a kidney transplant. I took the delay time to have a drink with Susan Wheeler, head of buyer relations for PFW’s new buyer’s market that had just taken place. In just a couple hours Pdx boutiques placed over $10,000 of orders for our fashion week designers. Take that economy!

The show began with a bang and longtime Portland designer Michelle DeCourcy showed a hip, sexy collection. Stephanie D. Couture showed simple classic bridal and special occasion dresses exquisitely sewn. Barbara Seipp, the woman behind Isaac Hers, sent figure hugging garments down the runway adding interest and edge though sheer panels and geometric lines. Seattleite Suzabelle was next and definitely a crowd pleaser with her wearable, chic ensembles. Just when I thought I had seen enough, an outfit that screamed my name came down the line and Modest Mouse’s “Float On” piped through the speakers (which happens to feature my dear boyfriend drumming on). That was it. The stars had aligned and the universe was telling me that look will be mine! Everything after was icing on the cake and by the time Amai Unmei’s lovely collection with the asymmetrical highlights had taken its last walk I wanted to curl up on the solar runway in a little ball and sleep the night away.

Click View Slideshow for in depth reviews.

The Evenings’ Designers

- Amai Unmei
- La Vie by Michele DeCourcy
- Stephanie D Couture
- Suzabelle
- Isaac Hers

Upcoming:

Tonight will be a complete fashion madhouse with Project Runway designers Seth Aaron SolarWorld Collection Presented by Portland Fashion Week, Jay Nicolas Sario, Jonathan Joseph and Goga by Gordana. I’m not even sure if there are any tickets left so you better act quickly!.

Fashion Week Information:

www.PortlandFashionWeek.net
When: Wednesday, October 6th – Sunday, October 10th
Doors: 6:30pm, Seating 8:00pm
Where: Vigor Industrial Shipyard: 5555 N. Channel Avenue. Portland OR 97217

Find Portland Fashion Week 2010 event info on our Events Calendar.

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Tags: Fashion, fashion show, Portland Fashion Week 2010, Spring/Summer 2011

Portland Fashion Week

PFW 2010: Thursday Night

Lizzie Parker, Jessica Milton, Wyatt Orr, The Art Institute, Catapult: Emerging Designer Competition

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Oct 08, 2010 at 11:00AM Speech Bubble 6 Comments

Photo: OSI Photography

Catapult: Emerging Designer Winner -Ms. Woods
With its top to toe look, this ensemble helped push the judges and crowd over the edge. The top is young and sexy while still tasteful and modern.

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Last night the shipyards were a flurry of excitement. Producer Chris Cone had told me before arriving that pre-sale tickets were through the roof so I was prepared for busy evening. I am a bad mental prepper evidently, because when I showed up and had to park a mile away and hike in my 4 inch strappy heels I felt dumbfounded by the amount of cars. I squeezed inside to music blaring and a boisterous crowd, who was more than ready for the show to start though we weren’t even close to seating time. As a judge for the “Catapult- Emerging Designer” competition I was herded through the crowd and tucked in the “judge’s box” between my friend Marjorie Skinner – managing editor for The Mercury and Seth Aaron – most recent winner of Project Runway. The other wise judges included Sue Bonde the intrepid director of fashion programs at The Art Institute, boutique owners Jo Carter and Anne Bocci, plus photographer Marie Saturn. A pretty well rounded crew, if I do say so myself.

The show opened with range of designers from our unofficial sister-city, Seattle, before moving into a showcase of some of Ai’s most promising graduates. After the last silver tarp dress strutted back stage, Sue Bonde stepped up to talk about the emerging designer competition and introduce the judges (sort of, as Seth had taken an ill-timed trip to the bar and I felt too many eyes stare at me when she nodded to his empty seat).

The winner of the Emerging Designer Competition wins a bevvy of fashionable prizes:

1. the chance to show a full collection at next years PFW
2. a photo shoot with Fashion Wire Press
3. a marketing package with 24Notion branding
4. future coverage in a little publication called Portland Monthly .

So the tension mounted as the show began. All four designers put forth a really good effort but the end horse edged ahead by a nose. Designer Ms. Wood won over the crowd and judges with cohesive and complete looks that included shoe and accessory design. She will be a welcome addition to the Portland fashion scene and I look forward to working with her for her PM coverage. Congratulations!

The Evenings’ Designers:

- Lizzie Parker
- Jessica Milton
- Wyatt Orr
- The Art Institute

- Devonation
- Anar Couture
- Ms Wood
- Neli Millard

Upcoming:

Tonight at the shipyards the ladies in town will be in shopping heaven. A show featuring some of the best, most wearable, chic women’s wear in town it will be a treasure trove of ideas for a spring wardrobe.

Find Portland Fashion Week 2010 event info on our Events Calendar.

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Tags: Fashion, fashion show, Portland Fashion Week 2010, Spring/Summer 2011

Portland Fashion Week

PFW 2010: Opening Night Presentation

Adam Andreas, Idom, R. A. W. by Rio Wrenn, Dawn Sharp, Laura Allcorn, Sword & Fern, Pinkham Millnery, Filly

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Oct 07, 2010 at 11:00AM Speech Bubble 2 Comments

Photo: Jamie Coughlin

The new mural on Building 10 signifies you are now in Fashion Land.

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For a fashion writer, everything just seems right in the world when PFW starts again. It’s that kind of mixed up, anxious, slightly queasy, excited endorphin rush that I used to get from carnival rides, but now get from an interesting print combination. And I am happy to have gotten that feeling last night when I walked though the giant doors of building 10 in the Vigor shipyards for the opening night of Portland Fashion Week. An untraditional kickoff, the week did not start with your typical runway show but with an evening of art and fashion in the form of pod-like installations. Each designer was able take their given space and turn it into whatever they felt best represented their point of view. While some may miss the thrill of the runway show, the connoisseur of clothing appreciates the art of an installation show for the details you can notice and linger over.

Click View Slideshow for an Opening Night Photo Tour! Saucy stuff, see?

Photo: Jamie Coughlin

R.A.W. Lingerie’s display included a gorgeous model sitting in front of a vanity with curlers in, painting her nails with a bemused expression, while wearing an intricately stitched corset from hand rusted fabric.

After examining each pod in depth my brain was happy and overloaded. I was easing towards my escape and then remembered there was a whole other room filled with company displays: A booth for 24Notion, the marketing mavens behind PFW, some great local artists, as well as a representation from our beloved Junk to Funk with dresses made from hats and socks. There was really something for everyone.

The Evenings’ Designers

- Adam Andreas
- Idom
- R. A. W. by Rio Wrenn
- Dawn Sharp
- Laura Allcorn
- Sword & Fern
- Pinkham Millnery

Upcoming:

Tonight is the kick off of the runway shows and the “Catapult- Emerging Designers” collection will be taking place. Come to the show and see if I cast the right vote as one of the judges.

Fashion Week Information:

www.PortlandFashionWeek.net
When: Wednesday, October 6th – Sunday, October 10th
Doors: 6:30pm, Seating 8:00pm
Where: Vigor Industrial Shipyard: 5555 N. Channel Avenue. Portland OR 97217

Find Portland Fashion Week 2010 event info on our Events Calendar.

Add a Comment »

Tags: Fashion, fashion show, Portland Fashion Week 2010, Spring/Summer 2011

Portland Fashion Week

PFW 2010: Preview

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Oct 01, 2010 at 11:00AM Speech Bubble 2 Comments

Photo: Seth Aaron

A preview of Seth Aaron’s solar panel collection.

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Get out your best pair of designer party shoes, Portland Fashion Week is almost here!

Every year our own PFW (learn the lingo) has grown leaps and bounds, and I am proud to offer up oodles of witty, informed commentary from the end of the runway. This season brings another batch of hot designers; some familiar faces and some out-of-towners who are hip to our scene. The die-hard fashion fan will show up every night to take in the overwhelming amount of eye candy.

Here is my night-by-night insider’s guide to Portland Fashion Week. Read on, I can tell you why you want to be there!

Opening Night

The kickoff to PFW this year will be an installation showcase from some of our city’s most talented designers. Not a traditional runway show, this is your opportunity to see the work up close. Similar to last year’s fantastic Content show, each designer has the opportunity to create a display representative of their own point of view. Designers: Adam Andreas, Idom, R. A. W. by Rio Wrenn, Dawn Sharp, Laura Allcorn, Sword & Fern, Pinkham Millnery, Filly; Curated by Marjorie Skinner; Art exhibition & Music presented by Project Ethos; Artists: Jesse Reno, Isaac Bushkin, Michele Maule, Lisa Golightly; Bands: XOXO

The Get: From hats to rusted metal corsets to the perfect dress, this combination of talent won’t be in one room again.

Thursday Oct 7

Night two is already a buzz with exciting designers and a showcase of some of The Art Institute’s most promising students. Adding to all this anticipation is the return of the “Catapult – Emerging Designer” competition, presented by Portland Monthly. New and upcoming artists show their collections to both the audience and a panel of judges (including moi) who vote to determine our city’s best new designer. Designers: Lizzie Parker, Jesica Milton, Art Institute of Portland Fashion Show and Portland Monthly presents Catapult, The Emerging Designer Competition Runway Show: Devonation, Anar Couture, Ms Wood, Neli Millard

The Get: The winner will get to show a full collection at next years’ PFW as well as a free fashion shoot by Fashion Wire Press and future coverage in Portland Monthly magazine. Come be part of the decision.

Friday Oct 8

Night three of fashion week has some of PFW’s fan favorites: all Northwest designers crafting ridiculously beautiful women’s wear. Portlanders who love to shop may elbow you out of this one, so get your tickets in advance. Designers: Amai Unmei, La Vie by Michele DeCourcy, Stephanie D Couture, Suzabelle

The Get: I will be planning a large portion of my spring shopping budget based on this show!

Saturday Oct 9

A night for Project Runway junkies! Fresh off his Project Runway triumph, Seth Aaron Henderson has collaborated with Hillsboro-based company, Solarworld, to design a collection based on their black photovoltaic panels. Gracing the runway first this evening are three previous P.R. contestants showing new collections. Designers: Seth Aaron SolarWorld Collection Presented by Portland Fashion Week, Jay Sario, Jonathan Joseph Peters, Goga by Gordana

The Get: The largest post-show gathering of Project Runway contestants, this was a good get for Portland.

Sunday Oct 10

Closing night is always an affair to remember and the last gasp of PFW breath for a whole year. Designers: Amelia Toro, Ethos Paris, Souchi, LENZANITA, Pendleton “Opening Ceremony”

The Get: Powerhouse Pendleton with their “Opening Ceremony” collection has excitement brewing as well as international designers Amelia Toro and Ethos who yanked out their passports and battled TSA to show us their collections.

And obviously the best reason to attend fashion week is your chance to practice any Heidi Klum ala Project Runway impressions of “You’re Out.” Auf Wiedersehen!

Fashion Week Information:
www.PortlandFashionWeek.net
When: Wednesday, October 6th – Sunday, October 10th
Doors: 6:30pm, Seating 8:00pm
Where: Vigor Industrial Shipyard: 5555 N. Channel Avenue. Portland OR 97217

Tickets: PortlandFashionWeek.net
Portland Monthly’s special ticket offer code, pfw510, gets our readers 10% off of the ticket price!

Why: Because you should support our city’s awesome talent and it’s really fun.

Find Portland Fashion Week 2010 event info on our Events Calendar.

Add a Comment »

Tags: Fashion, fashion show, Portland Fashion Week 2010, Spring/Summer 2011

SHOP TALK

PFW 2010: Closing Night

Click View Slideshow for in depth reviews.

The Evenings’ Designers

**Upcoming: The shows are over for the year but be on the look out for upcoming Q&A’s with designers Amelia Toro from Columbia and Jonathan Joseph Peters from last season’s Project Runway.**

PFW 2010: Project Runway Presents

Click View Slideshow for in depth reviews.

The Evenings’ Designers

Upcoming: Tonight is the very last night of PFW for a whole year! Featuring international designers Amelia Toro, Ethos Paris plus Oregon’s own powerhouse Pendleton. Don’t be the only one in town to miss out on the hoopla..

Fashion Week Information:

PFW 2010: Friday Night

Click View Slideshow for in depth reviews.

The Evenings’ Designers

Upcoming:

Fashion Week Information:

PFW 2010: Thursday Night

The Evenings’ Designers:

Upcoming:

PFW 2010: Opening Night Presentation

Click View Slideshow for an Opening Night Photo Tour! Saucy stuff, see?

The Evenings’ Designers

Upcoming:

Fashion Week Information:

PFW 2010: Preview

Opening Night

Thursday Oct 7

Friday Oct 8

Saturday Oct 9

Sunday Oct 10

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